Regardless of the type of position you’re seeking, either with a staffing agency or Fortune 500 company, the process is generally the same. You’ll want to spend time crafting a strong resume that identifies your marketable skills and matches the needs of the potential employer.
Here are 5 tips to keep in mind when you’re writing your resume.
Keep it simple
For job seekers with less than 10 years of experience, a resume should not exceed one page.
Use a simple layout
A layout should provide essential information like updated contact information, an objective, work experience, education history and a list of references.
Provide concise descriptions
Human resource teams are searching through mountains of resumes and job applications. Make their lives easier by boiling your qualifications and previous job descriptions into short, to-the-point statements.
Use industry-specific keywords
When reading job listings, identify specific keywords related to the position and its responsibilities. Use terms that apply to you directly in the document. Many large companies use computers to pre-scan these documents in search of these keywords. If your resume doesn’t contain these terms, it may be tossed aside.
Don’t undervalue your cover letter
A cover letter allows you to personalize your resume. Its main purpose is to emphasize your strengths and assets in a way that will interest employers in interviewing you. This gives employers an opportunity to get a feel for who you are as a person beyond your job experience and skills.
